Art Baltazar, the famous cartoonist behind the Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel: Cat Out of Water spoke with us about his creative process and his upcoming follow up Thing One and Thing Two Have Homework to Do. With brand-new illustrations and easy-to-follow paneled storytelling, this graphic novel is an excellent bridge for kids transitioning to chapter books—a must have for young readers and Dr. Seuss fans alike.
Dr. Seuss is one of the most recognizable and impactful children’s licenses in all of publishing. What does it mean to you to be adding to that legacy?
My Gosh! Dr. Suess and the Cat in the Hat are larger than life! They are American Culture and part of every kid’s childhood! I’ve been drawing since I’m a kid and I never thought that one day I would get the opportunity to create Dr. Suess books. I am honored to take on this great responsibility to bring a fresh take on the Cat to kids everywhere! This is huge! The Cat is up there with icons like, Mickey, Bugs, Superman, Coca Cola, and McDonalds. No pressure. No worries. So far, I think the readers are enjoying my cartooning.
This is your second Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel. How did working on this one compare to your experience creating your previous Cat Out of Water?
While working the first book, I really got to know the Cat. I feel out of all the Dr. Suess characters, I identify with the Cat the most. The jokes and gags and dialogue started to flow in a natural rhythm the way I like to write. Working on the second book was a bit easier for me. It’s always hardest to write the first one. Writing the second was more fun too. I knew the characters better…or maybe they knew me better. Ha. I think the second book is funnier and sillier. I still have an abundance of jokes that I couldn’t fit in. It’s true.
You’ve done incredible and award-winning work in original comics and licensed properties—both self-publishing and with many of the biggest publishers. What have you learned from your diversity of experience that you think readers might not know?
I approach every project the same. I have a sketchbook where I jot down ideas and doodle characters. To me, writing licensed characters or the ones I create feels the same. I feel like every book I work on is in the same universe. When I get drawings from kids, they often have many of the characters from many of the different publishers together all on one page. Thats kinda cool. I make comics the way I make them. I can’t really draw any other way except my cartoony style. It’s so natural for me. I learned that whenever I get hired by anyone, they want the Famous Cartoonist spin I can bring to their worlds!
Is there anything you’ve read, watched, or listened to recently that has inspired you?
I really like to watch artists draw on live streams. That seems to be the thing I watch and listen to while I am making comics. I love baseball too. Baseball season is when I always have something to listen to while drawing. Also, music. Music and coffee put me in the zone to do awesome things. I like to write outside on my deck with the breeze and natural sounds of the outdoors. I could go on forever. There are lots of things that inspire the creative vibe!
What do you look for when you walk into a comic shop?
I love to browse when I walk into a comic shop. Shopping rocks. I like when things are bright and organized. A good friendly work staff is bonus. I like when I find something unique, like an action figure or store merch. But most of all, the COMICS! And hopefully The Cat in the Hat in their kids’ section! AW YEAH!!!
This interview first appeared in our Fall 2025 edition of PRH Panels+ Retailer Resource Guide.
Retailers: Dr. Seuss Graphic Novel: Thing One and Thing Two Have Homework to Do goes on FOC on September 1st and on sale September 30th.
